Deathbelle leaned against Lament, despite their height difference he was acting as her strength. She didn’t want to return yet, she didn’t feel ready in her heart, but she knew it was what she had to do. She had to get back to be there for her pack, for the family, to see to her responsibilities that she had neglected for these last couple of weeks. She’d been away for far too long, but she knew Venom would have everything in hand, she was ready for leadership, and this would have been a great test to her.

They were getting much to close and as the islands and the white trees came into view she leaned more heavily against the fire marked man beside her. Mismatched ears fell to her head, when had she become this weak? She was the Empress, strong, unwavering, what has Sirius done to her? ”Alright, we’re just about there.” She told him softly, feeling her gait begin to slow already.

Lament offered Deathbelle whatever affection and support she needed. He knew she had come to his island to flee whatever had hurt her, and it took tremendous courage to face that now. He was also all for facing one's issues head on, and gave her nothing but encouragement as she made her way towards the pack. His expressions had become a little more open with Deathbelle, but as they left the island, he let his stoic expression fall back into place.

He leaned against the Empress as she spoke and slowed, nodding his head towards her. “You’ve got this, Empress. Together. Ready?” he offered in support.

She told the patrol to keep an eye out for her mother and bring her directly to her once she returned. It was Poison that alerted her to Deathbelle’s imminent arrival but she had been prepared since Thistle showed up a day ahead of the pair. Pair. Venom didn’t recognize the description of the man, and as she stood waiting at the border and spied them for the first time she couldn’t claim recognition.

Venom had sent for Sirius, and knew that at any moment he would appear at her side. Mostly because of his request, honestly she had no idea what she was in store for. She would appreciate his presence and back up. She held her head up high, and waited for all participating members to gather around her. Deathbelle couldn’t turn back now.

The Warlord arrived in good time, having known himself that this meeting was coming. The moment he was told of Death’s approach, he dropped what he was doing, and made for Venom and the Shrine. He did not know what was going to come from this. He intended to make a bid for a peaceful outcome. He did not wish to see bloodshot between two wolves he held dear. He was also weary that Deathbelle might look at him with an expression of betrayal.

He arrived and stood besides Venom, waiting for Deathbelle to finish making her way into the territory and to find the pair waiting for her. The trepidation in his blood ensure he stood straight as an arrow, taunt as a bow.

As Deathbelle leaned against him Lament leaned into her and offered her all of his support as the two of them walked. He didn’t rush her, only encouraging her decisions. ”No, but lets go.” She chuckled lightly, not really feeling the humor in it as her paws hesitated forward. Her lilac gaze didn’t take long to fall on Venom and the even taller form of Sirius. At that moment she really did nearly dart away. They were both tense as they stood waiting and Belle felt the pit fall out of her stomach.

She took a deep breath and pushed forward, reaching deep down for her strength as she approached, knowing that she wasn’t going to enjoy what they told her. ”Venom, Sirius.” Though it was one of the most difficult moments of her life she met the Warlord’s infinite blue gaze before turning to Venom with a soft smile. ”You’ve done well.” She didn’t know what happened, but she could tell the girl had kept her paws at work.

He laughed softly at that, but appreciated her candor, even with herself. She was afraid, but she was facing it anyway. Today, she was on fire. They crossed into pack territory, and Lament glanced about himself subtly. Cautious of anything that might be amiss. Deathbelle hadn’t fully explained the situation to him, and he needed to be prepared to defend her as needed.

“Deep breath.” he whispered as her eyes fell upon the waiting wolves, and as close as they were, he could feel her tense. His eyes strayed from one to the other of the two imposing figures. The dark wolf that resembled Deathbelle had impressive quills along her back, and the wolf beside her was the largest he had ever seen. If it did come to a battle, he wasn’t going to have an easy time of it.

Venom relaxed slightly as Sirius sidled up beside her silently before her mother could come too close. They were seen easily against the backdrop of trees and Deathbelle and her stranger approached with some tension. Her own stance must have made her emotions more obvious than intended. Her joints stiff and her expression dark as Deathbelle met her gaze and proclaimed her first observations. Venom was thankful she didn’t offer up any affections, she didn’t think she would have been able to return it. This was the moment of truth.

”I have.” She paused, debating how to advance. With Sirius beside her she erred on the side of being polite as possible. How did you politely tell your mother you replaced her on the throne. ”I’m glad to see you’re well. You’ve returned to a change in plan, I’ve fully assumed the throne in your unexpected absence.” She steeled herself then, ready for an outburst or some kind of protest from her mother’s dark lips. With Sirius beside her Deathbelle would know that he was fully accepting of this decision, and supported her new reign.

Sirius managed to hide a wince as it all began. There was no easy way to put it, and Venom came outright as forthcoming and direct as she could. There could be no mistaking her intentions, and the Warlord took a single step closer to Venom, sanctioning this event, as he had promised Venom he would. However, his eyes sought that of his childhood friend, and he struggled with the emotions this brought on for him. He knew it would be hard, but… the moment was always harder then the idea.

What would he do if Deathbelle accustomed him of betrayal, if she called upon the ties of their past? Would his choice become all the more difficult? He could only hope she would see reason before realising all the cards she might be able to call in her favour. “The Ashen Empire has been a quiet affair. A shake up might be good for them, and giving yourself the freedom to explore yourself might do you well. I am truly sorry for the cards life has thrown your way.” His voice was thick with emotion. At the end of the day, he would always love this woman. Through for Zee’s sake he suppressed and hid it.

Deathbelle had trouble hiding her emotions, her expression turned from shocked surprise, to uncertainty as her daughter spoke and Sirius moved closer to her. His support of Venom both hurt and comforted her. If her daughter relied on the Warlord like this the Empire would only rise higher and grow stronger. Eventually her expression settled on a soft acceptance. Ashen would flourish, but where did this leave her?

Carefully avoiding Sirius with her gaze she focused on Venom. ”This is… understandable.” She succumbed to the truth. If she truly wanted Ashen to continue on stronger than ever she couldn’t hold onto power for power’s sake. She had no hope of fighting for her crown now. ”Congratulations, Empress.” Deathbelle finally sat back onto her haunches, a little overwhelmed with the turn of events. This was the last outcome she had expected. What was she going to do now?

Lament Pyre Lament knew this reunion was not an easy one, and he was not blind to the undercurrents between his Empress and the large brute across from them. Nor the baited anticipation from the forked tongue woman. As the situation unfolded, Lament would see this coup for what it was. His paw shifted on the ground perturbed frown through his face remained blank. “Yes, congratulations. If you don’t mind, we have travelled far today, and we are in need of rest.” he bowed his head to the ‘new’ Empress, glad she would not see the anger in his expressive paw. “If you would do us the honour of letting us rest for the night in a secluded place of your territory, i’m sure you and Deathbelle can work out the particulars in the morning.” When she had had a moment to digest, and wasn’t ambushed the second her paws had touched her lands. He leaned protectively against Deathbelle. If she had asked it of him, he would have fought both these wolves, even if he was outmatched. "Speech"|"Ademic"